Any time we put anything in the center of our life besides God, we have
started worshiping an idol.

I've worshipped many idols, from parents to teachers, from occupations to
people with whom I had close relationships, even to diets and exercise
programs. None of them satisfied that deep longing I felt inside and I became
bitter and angry, and eventually depressed. When I got far enough away from
God, I would find myself screaming inside and wishing I were dead. That is
usually the time I would turn my attention back to God and say "Why are you
doing this to me?" and God always responds to me the same way: "My precious
child, I've been here the whole time you've taken this path away from me. I'm
doing nothing but loving you from as close as you will let me be. All is
forgiven. Relax and let me take care of everything. Let my joy come back to
my place in your heart." When I let go, God does take care of the things that
were troubling me.